SYS 187: Leveraging Cultural Diversity: Proven Strategies for Effective Outsourcing - Interview with Andy Hilliard, CEO of Accelerance and Author of Synergea

Systemize Your Success Podcast

🎙 In this episode, Dr. Steve Day discusses strategies for effective outsourcing with special guest Andy Hilliard, the CEO of Accelerance. Andy shares his journey from joining the Peace Corps to becoming an expert in finding talent for globally distributed software engineering teams.

They explore the importance of leveraging apps, virtual assistants, and automation tools to scale businesses. Andy also emphasizes the value of cultural understanding in outsourcing and the benefits of working with a global workforce.

The conversation also touches on Andy's books, including “Synergea,” which provide insights into the evolution of outsourcing and the future of remote work. Additionally, Andy highlights the significance of building relationships, empowering individuals, and embracing cultural differences for success in a distributed work environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

💡 Andy Hilliard's book “Synergea” discusses the evolution of outsourcing, specifically software outsourcing. It targets individuals like directors of engineering, chief technology officers, chief product officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, and CEOs.

💡 Success for Andy Hilliard means being a role model for his three children and someone they can depend on, standing for principles, and trying to make the world a better place in his own small way through his business endeavours.

💡 Andy emphasises the importance of investing time and energy to learn, appreciate, and demonstrate cultural understanding and sensitivity when working with distributed talent, as building trust and openness leads to better communication and relationships.

💡 Leveraging a global talent pool for software development offers cost advantages. It also provides access to hyper-specialized talent. Additionally, it creates opportunities for personal growth and learning. Collaboration with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds enhances these benefits.

BEST MOMENTS

18:38 - 💬 “You must invest time and energy to learn, appreciate, and demonstrate. Even in our due diligence phases, our customers will come either with us, or we will guide them to spend time with prospective partners to break bread, to spend days together.” - Andy Hilliard

24:56 - 💬 “The world is not shining just on you and will give you that thing. And if you think you're so delusional that you're the chosen one and you're going to do something that no one else is doing and get that win, then good luck with that.” - Andy Hilliard

35:02 - 💬 “The United States produces 60% of the digital output, the software development output in the world. However, the United States only has 15% of the world's developers. So right there, there's a disconnected and imbalance of the available talent and the demand for talent.” - Andy Hilliard

37:05 - 💬 “Anything good is worth working for, right? And if you want to differentiate yourself and have better talent, and if you can systematise that talent, if you can create an ecosystem that is empowered, that is accountable, that is appreciative, that is gaining here, here's another aspect we really didn't talk about.” - Andy Hilliard

42:19 - 💬 “Success means to me to be someone they could look at as not an icon, but a good direction for them as humans, as young adults growing up and evolving, and someone who tries hard and means well.” - Andy Hilliard

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

00:00 Reflecting on life, seeking motivation in travel.

05:36 Cognizant externalised, developed global software, and expanded reach.

09:55 Contributed to "Software Without Borders," a valuable concept.

11:39 Global software development partnerships and cultivating relationships.

15:43 Commit to learn, show appreciation, and embed culturally.

20:42 Remote work depends on effective collaboration tools.

27:48 Fostering individual strengths boosts team productivity.

31:30 Remote work revolutionises software engineering practices.

35:02 US produces 60% digital output with 15% developers.

36:32 Efficiency in talent management is rewarding.

42:14 Success to me is being a good role model for my kids and making a positive impact.

43:32 Striving to be respected and make an impact.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Website: https://www.systemizeyoursuccess.com

Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/systemsandoutsourcing/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/systemsandoutsourcing/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/systems_and_outsourcing/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drsteveday42

GUEST RESOURCES

Website: https://www.accelerance.com/

Andy's Books: https://www.accelerance.com/andy-hilliard-author

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhilliard/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyhilliard/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyhilliard

ABOUT THE GUEST

At age 26, Andy Hilliard had a quarter-life crisis that changed the trajectory of his life. To find himself, Andy joined the Peace Corps in 1988. On assignment in Costa Rica, he fell in love with the culture—and the woman who became his wife. The experience led Andy to dedicate himself to enriching businesses and individuals through valuable cultural exchange.

As CEO of Accelerance, Andy helps companies find the talent they need to scale high-performing, globally distributed software engineering and product development teams.

Andy and Accelerance travel the world, assessing and certifying development partners with a proprietary matching system so clients can confidently connect with the top 1% of outsourcing partners worldwide. The Accelerance team also helps clients optimise their outsourcing partner relationships through mutual understanding, communication, and effective management.

Previously, Andy founded the groundbreaking nearshore software development services company, Isthmus Costa Rica. During its formative years, he began his global software services career as a Division Manager at Cognizant Technology Solutions.

Andy currently lives in Kenwood, California, but has visited more than 60 countries. He holds an MBA in International Business, Finance, and Marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

ABOUT THE HOST

Steve used to be a slave to his business, but moving to Sweden in 2015 forced him to change how he worked. He switched to running his businesses remotely. After totally nailing this concept, he spent his time helping other small business owners do the same. Steve has been investing in property since 2002, has a degree in computing, and worked as a doctor in the NHS before quitting to focus full-time on sharing his systems and outsourcing methodology with the world. He now lives in Sweden and runs his UK-based businesses remotely with the help of his team of Filipino and UK-based Virtual Assistants.

Most business owners feel overwhelmed because they don’t know how to create systems or get the right help.

Our systems and outsourcing Courses and coaching programme will help you automate your business and work effectively with affordable virtual assistants. That way, you will stop feeling overwhelmed and start making more money.